Ergonomic total body developer

ABSTRACT

Utilizing the principles of physics (mass and leverage) and body mechanics, the intent and design of the Ergonomic Body Developer (EBD) is to harness the effects of torque at a given distance from a fixed pivotal point. Other systems require a force (mass) to be applied at the most distal point of the levering appendage (typically the extremities). The EBD is designed to distribute said force equally over the entire levering appendages concurrently with the variability of the masses to gradually condition the body to greater exertion and stamina, reducing or eliminating collateral damage due to overzealous miscalculations. It is designed to target specific muscles or muscle groups and to eliminate the necessity of specialized equipment. The EBD utilizes natural, body motions in such a manner that each activity becomes an exercise. The key is the vast variability of the masses and their interchangable positionings on the body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Ergonomic Total Body Developer (heretofore EBD) addresses the state of overall body development and fitness. Since the dawn of the Industrial Age, machines have replaced the physical exertion which contributed to body strength and weight control in an effort to make life simpler and easier. Gone are the days of walking, splitting logs, and scrubbing laundry. The lack of this type of exercise has contributed to the statistical increase of excess body weight.

In an effort to combat this problem there has been an increase in fitness gyms, spas, exercise equipment, and diet fads, clubs, programs, and pills. Each catagory requires time and/or exercise as a supplement to their specific therapy.

In today's society, time is at a premium. Gyms, spas, and exercise equipment need an allotment of time. Diets, to be effective need an exercise program as a supplement. Allowing for time, exercise machines have a full range of motion in a given vector dictated by the design of the machine and the specified exercise. The same applies to heavy free weights.

In an effort to make exercise more effective by increasing the resistence the muscles must overcome to effect a motion, sandbag type wrist and ankle weights were developed. These bracelets are bulky, can be situated in only one place at the extremities, do not vary in weight, and are uncomfortable when the sand or beaded filling shifts and collects in the bottom of their respective pockets.

Considering the body physics of such weighted attachments, these have the effect of turning the arm into the physical equivalent of a Midieval mace. Considering body physics, this places an excessive strain on the supporting ligaments and tendons because of the phenomena of torque. In addition to the phenomena of torque, there is the effect of inertia; accelleration, and deceleration of the added mass on the tendons and ligaments of the unaccustomed appendages during the initial phases of training which causes pain at the points of origin and insertion of the muscles.

In many instances, storage of specialized equipment is a burden on available space. This prohibits its purchase and mandates frequenting a spa, gym, or club. It also mandates the expenditure of time which is at a premium or is utilized as an excuse for procrastination and/or inaction.

Free weights and specilized equipment are not readily portable. The bracelet type weights are not conducive to normal daily wear and must therefore be worn during free or allotted exercise time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The EBD suit addresses the state of overall body development and fitness concerning body strength and weight control. It is not meant to replace gyms or spas. Nor is it a substitute for diets. Instead, it is complimentary to gyms and spas. It is also meant to supplement diets by changing normal daily activities into exercise.

The EBD suit is constructed as a form fitting body suit to which are attached solid removable weights. These weights extend over the entire body surface area. Their purpose is to increase resistance to body motions and to increase the mass to be effectively moved by the muscles. As a consequence, each movement actuated during the course of normal daily activities becomes an exercise. This eliminates time as a premium.

The weights are solid lead masses and/or alloys of different masses which allow a greater variation in the weight applied to the body. The solid construction of the weights eliminates the uncomfortable bulking of sand or beaded type weights. It also permits the EBD suit to be worn comfortably under normal daily wear.

The variation of metal and/or alloys of different densities and masses permits the variation of the amount of mass applied at different positions on the body; over the entire body surface. In this way, the applied weight is more evenly distributed on the body.

This eliminates the Midieval mace effect. The ability to attach and remove the individual weights permits the targeting of various muscles and/or muscle groups. It also allows the gradual acclaimation of the ligaments and tendons to the added resistance, thus eliminating the pains associated with the heavier fixed bracelet type weights, since it is hard to avoid overexertion without being able to vary the applied mass.

The individual weights, being composed of lead and/or alloys of high density can be stored in a small space consisting of less than one cubic foot, virtually eliminating the necessity of storage space.

This system, by utilizing small weights; and having the capacity to vary the total weight by ounces instead of pounds; and by being able to be comfortably worn under normal daily wear; is extremely portable, and eliminates the excuse of procrastination and/or inaction as an excuse to not increase daily exercise. It also eliminates the necessity of allotting a given amount of time for exercise.

This system, with the ability to vary the position of the weights in relation to the muscles can be applied to the field of medical rehabilitation which would require the recovery of muscular strength after a traumatic incident or extended convalesence.

This system, with the variability of total weight applied, can be applied to the field of sports, either in training or maintaining muscle tone. Muscle tone also applies to non-sporting activities as well.

Since these weights are not connected to any specialized equipment, such as a weight machine, the body itself is converted into the machine. As such, the body does not exercise in the vectors dictated by the construction of the machine. The body will exercise in the natural motions associated with the activity in which one engages. The body is not forced to exercise in vertical and horizontal vectors. It will now exercise in the vectors which are natural to daily activities, or particular sports, or to the required medical rehabilitation.

The numerous variations afforded by the design and construction of the EBD suit allows it to be worn with light weights for the duration of a day; or to be worn with the full compliment of weights for a part of a day.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: This is the approximate placing of the various weights (FIG. 1[I]) over the surface of the EBD suit (rear view).

FIG. 2: This is the frontal view describing the approximate placement of the various weights (FIG. 2[I]) over the surface of the EBD suit.

FIG. 3: This represents the approximate placing of the weights over the portions of the arm (FIG. 3[I])(upper & lower).

FIG. 4: Representation of the placement of the weights (FIG. 4[I]) on the upper and lower leg.

FIG. 5: Representation (not to scale) of the construction of the weights (FIG. 5[IV]) sealed in protective, environmentally safe coating (FIG. 5[II]) and attached to a Velcro strip (FIG. 5[III])(as seen in cross section example).

FIG. 6: Representation of the environmentall safely coated (FIG. 5[II]; FIG. 6 [II]) weight (FIG. 5[IV]; FIG. 6[IV]) attached to the velcro and/or fastener (FIG. 5[III]; FIG. 6[III]) and situated above the complimentary Velcro attachment site (FIG. 6[V]), which is affixed to the material (FIG. 6[VI]) of the EBD suit.

FIG. 7: Depcition of the EBD suit (sans weights) demonstrating the method of supporting the two parts of the EBD suit (upper & lower) forming an intergral unit by affixing the upper body suit (FIG. 7[Ix]; FIG. 8[IX]) to the lower portion (FIG. 7[X]; FIG. 8[X]).

FIG. 8: Attached Velcro on the interior portion of the shirt (FIG. 8[XV]), while the externally attached Velcro strips (FIG. 8[XX]) on the pants interact to form an intergral unit (FIG. 7[XI]).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The EBD suit is a body fitting outfit composed of a breathable, semi-elastic material which permits the uninhibited free motion of the body in much the same way a “Danskin” or “Body Armor” suit maintains its proximity to the body while allowing freedom of motion and mobility.

Attached to this suit are small individual masses (or weights) composed of lead and/or various alloys to vary the mass of the individual units, which may be configured in various sizes and/or shapes. These masses attach to the suit by one of several various methods depending on the style and/or desired utilization of the suit.

The purpose of these attached masses is to increase muscle tone, and to increase the opportunity for exercise utilizing normal daily activities without the necessity for specialzed exercise.

The first method of attachment is by using Velcro or velcro-type strips. One part of the Velcro or velcro-type strip, the receptor site (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]), is attached to the suit (FIG. 6[VI]) by stiching and/or rivets (not shown). The complimentary piece of Velcro or velcro-type material (FIG. 5[III]; FIG. 6[III]) is attached to the individual mass (FIG. 5[IV]; FIG. 6[IV]) by means of adhesive and/or rivets passing through the material into the body of the mass.

When the two (2) units are pressed together (FIG. 3[I]; FIG. 4[I]), the mass is attached to the suit (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]; FIG. 3[I]; FIG. 4[I]), and is functional. These masses can be removed later for cleaning the material of which the suit is composed; or to vary the total mass (weight) and/or configuration of the masses over the surface area of the body. In such a way affecting the muscles of the body in a different manner.

The sites chosen to not support a mass are covered with a material patch which attaches to the receptor site (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]) to avoid undesirable clinging to normal daily wear.

The masses (weights) (FIG. 5[IV]; FIG. 6[IV]) are extruded or molded into their respective forms or shapes. Once the desired shape and mass is attained, it is then coated in a protective, flexible, durable substance; preferably a plastic material (FIG. 5[II]; FIG. 6[II]), for environmental and health safety purposes. It is to this protective surface and/or through this protective surface that the adhesive is attached or the rivets pass from the formed masses to maintain adherence to the EBD suit.

These masses are then attached to the receptor sites positioned over the entire surface of the body (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]).

However, instead of Velcro or velcro-type strips and/or rivets to attach the masses to the EBD suit, individual pockets (not shown) to contain the masses and also allow their removal, may be sewn and/or riveted to the EBD suit (FIG. 7[IX,X]; FIG. 8[IX,X]).

Sewing is the preferred method of attachment of the receptor sites (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]), but as previously mentioned, it is not the only means of attachment. Any strong/durable, permanent method of attaching the receptor sites (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]; FIG. 6[V]) to the EBD suit (FIG. 7 [IX,X]; FIG. 8[IX,X]) may be utilized.

Slide and lock receptor sites may be utilized. This method requires that the masses be configured to slide into a preformed, rigid receptor and lock into position by virtue of the shape of the mass designed to fit and lock into the receptor.

Once the masses (FIG. 5[II,III,IV]; FIG. 6[II,III,IV]; FIG. 4[I]) are attached to the EBD suit, the suit is functional.

This system is different from the large bulky masses that are attached to the wrists or the ankles. These masses create undo inertia, like a swinging mace, and inhibits rapid recoil of the muscles during daily activities or sports activities. These bulky masses do not fit under normal daily wear, nor are they comfortable to wear over an extended period of time. This is because of the amorphous mass; usually composed of sand or pellets of a dense material; and its tendency to accumulate and bulk at the base of the pockets or bags in which they are contained by design. This limits the availability of the bulky wrist and ankle weights to be worn during an extended period of a day's normal activities.

The EBD system is designed to be worn comfortably under normal daily wear as an undergarment. It is also designed to be worn as primary outerwear, making it sufficiently versitile to be worn during any occasion and while performing daily activities from housekeeping to sports activities.

The fact that the masses are solid forms (FIG. 5[II,III,IV]; FIG. 6 [II,III,IV]) in the EBD system, is a departure from the current wrist and ankle bracelets constructed as bags containing an amorphous material. These bags permit the shifting and realignment of the amorphous mass which creates an uncomfortable fit and prohibits its use under pants and shirts, slacks and blouses, or other daily wear.

The EBD solid masses are designed to fit comfortably under clothing. The solid mass also allows the total mass of the applied weight to be evenly distributed over the surface of the body, instead of being focused at one point. This allows for a more uniform conditioning of the muscles. These solid masses of the EBD system will not shift once placed into position, nor will they alter shape or change form. It is designed as a thin wafer allowing it to be worn comfortably under pants and shirts, slacks and blouses, or other daily wear. It is also designed to be worn as outerwear, if so desired.

Considering the amount of mass attached to the lower portion/pants section (FIG. 7[x]; FIG. 8[X]) of the EBD suit, a method of support attachments has been designed into it. On the exterior facade of the pants (FIG. 7[X]; FIG. 8[X]), along the waistband and extending vertically are a series of Velcro or velcro-type strips (FIG. 8[XX]). To the interior face of the upper portion of the EBD suit or shirt is the complimentary portion of the Velcro or velcro-type receptors which extend horizontially around the lower circumference (FIG. 8[XV]). Utilizing this method of attachment (FIG. 7[XI]), this overlap serves to unite the two portions as a single unit (FIG. 7[IX,X,XI]). The shoulders, in effect, become the ultimate support of the mass supported by the lower portion of the suit (FIG. 7[X]; FIG. 8[X]) or pants.

The improvement is the stability of the solid mass held in position by individual receptor sites (FIG. 1[I]; FIG. 2[I]). Further improvement is the solid form of the individual units (FIG. 5[II,III,IV]; FIG. 6[II, III,IV]) eliminating amorphous shifting and alterations.

A further improvement is the ability to evenly distribute the total mass of the individual units evenly over the entire surface area of the body. This allows for a more gradual acclaimation of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons to the weight of the masses.

Another improvement is the ability to place the individual masses in specific positions, and consequently targeting certain muscles and/or muscle groups for toning and/or development.

This system demonstrates versitility in the fields of sports training, medical rehabilitation, and domestic physical fitness.

An inherent benefit is the abililty to increase or decrease the total amount of mass, and therefore weight, by increments of ounces instead of pounds. 

1. I, Lawrence N. Squittieri, the sole inventor of the Ergonomic Total Body Developer, aver and incorporate by reference, paragraphs one (1) through fifty-two (52) as if fully stated herein and claim as my invention the novelty and system of variable, site specific, interchangeable, replaceable solid form masses of lead and/or dense alloys and their systematic application to physical development, muscle toning, medical rehabilitation, sports training and development, and general exercise and fitness. It is the interchangeability of the masses in both position and total mass per unit volume and the ability to apply a specific force to target areas of the body; and the placement of said masses that creates the novelity of this approach to muscular toning, body development, and medical rehabilitation. It is the system of application that creates another basis of novelty to muscular toning, body development, and medical rehabilitation. Either prior to, or after, donning the ebd suit, the seperate masses are attached in the specific positions as desired or required. Since the center of gravity for the body is located in the pelvic area, and any application of mass to the body is supported by the lower appendages, the legs; this is where the process of development begins. The lightest weights are applied to the EBD suit at the position of the waist. After a period of acclaimation of the muscles, the light masses are applied to the next available row of spaces superiorly located to the first row. These two rows are left in position as the body acclaimates to the additional mass. This process continues to each successive row continuing out, over the arms, to the most distal points, the hands, until all available points of attachment are occupied by a mass. Once this is accomplished, the legs, now supporting all the additional mass of the upper body, are now targeted with additional mass beginning at the upperportion of the leg or thigh and eventually extending distally toward the ankle. Once all positions to the ankle are occupied, the process recommences at the waist with more dense masses replacing those already in position. Once all the lighter masses have been replaced by intermediate masses, the process recommences with more dense masses until the most dense mass is in position. This process proceeds alone or in conjunction with other training activities, but it has been conceived to be utilized alone during the course of normal daily activities, utilizing natural body motions and movements as an exercise. As such, each body movement becomes an exercise and the body itself is transformed into the training and/or exercise machine, reducing the necessity for constructed, mechanical contrivances. In this scheme, utility, design, and function are inherently dependent upon each other in order to transform natural body motions into an exercise that enhances, tones, and develops musculature without the use of specialized, and often stationary, area specific, mechanical constructs or contrivances. The design minimizes the necessity for specialized mechanical devices and utilizes natural body motions to exercise specfic muscles and/or muscle groups without the necesstiy for predetermined, repetitive motions inherent in mechanical equipment. It is the natural motion of the body, in the exact vectors necessary to effect the motion, during any daily activity or sport; with the variable mass evenly distributed over the entire body surface that distinguishes the Ergonomic Total Body Developer from any other system or equipment. The EBD suit exercises the exact muscles and/or muscle groups in the exact proportions necessary and in the exact vectors of motion necessary to effect the chosen activity. The EBD suit is form fitting and constructed of durable, breathable, and semi-elastic material, which forms the foundation to which masses of various compositions, shapes and densities are attached to the surface area of the body. The purpose of such attachment is to apply a given force evenly over a specific area of the body to achieve the desired effect of muscle tone and strengthening utilizing the principle of torque and body mechanics. This application of physics, torque, body mechanics in a gradual manner as opposed to a sudden application of a fixed, invariable mass in a predetermined position, is necessary to avoid undesirable stresses which can result in bodily injury. As a consequence, the EBD suit and system was designed to minimize this possible event. Even distribution of mass and gradual acclaimation to the applied mass of the EBD suit permits acclaimation over time. The EBD suit was designed to be worn for a period of exertion of up to twenty-four (24) hours or any part thereof, utilizing the lightest weights; or for lesser designated durations of time, while utilizing the heavier masses. Even distribution and gradual acclaimation to the masses of the EBD suit permits a reduction of stress and tension on the tendons, ligaments, and joints, thereby reducing collateral damage due to excessive stresses and/or overexertion combined with a lack of acclaimation. This is accomplished by initially affixing the masses to the proximal point of origin of the muscles reducing the torque on the levering appendage and permitting the gradual acclaimation to the additional resistance of the added mass of the affixed masses at a more distally located position. The EBD suit is designed to replace the older wrist and/or ankle weights that have a fixed mass which locates at a particular position on the body and are not conducive to extended wear, especially under everyday clothing designed for work or leisure. The EBD suit is designed to increase the effectiveness of various exercises and/or training regimen. As a consequence, it is designed to minimize the necessity of exercise programs requiring a specified exercise area, time and/or routine, since exercise is incorporated into daily routine activities because of the EBD design. This is a result of the design of the EBD suit allowing it to be worn as under or outerwear garment. Therefore, the exercises are not limited to the physical structure of mechanical exercisers or machines; nor are they limited to a stationary device; nor are they hindered by portability of equipment. The body is transformed into the exercise machine with the addition of masses of various densities. The configuration, versatility, and design of form and function of the EBD suit allows for the targeting of specific muscles and/or muscle groups as may be needed in the rehabilatative efforts following traumatic physical injuries or extended convalescence. Therefore, it is designed as a key element for physical therapeutic applications, especially in the restoration, control, and function of muscular strength, and dexterity, and stamina. The EBD suit is designed to serve as a sports training accessory to enhance the development of musculature and/or endurance. The EBD suit is designed to maintain and/or enhance general fitness by design and/or function. Increased muscle tone and mass consumes a greater quantity of calories. The added increased mass affixed to the EBD suit increases the resistance to the motion of the muscles in effecting normal daily activities and as a consequence increases muscle endurance and consumes a greater total of calories. The increased caloric utilization, with a concurrent stabilization and/or decrease of caloric intake will have a cumulative affect of an overall decrease in adipose tissue. The results are best attained and described by a planned diet and exercise program, which would enhance the optimum efficiency of the EBD suit and system. This is best determined by a complete physical and the recommendations of a competent medical professional. As a result, the EBD suit and program will simultaneously affect other associated body systems and contribute to general physical health and general well being as an inherent by-product. The advantages of the EBD suit and system are the flexability of use and application; the variability of the masses in density and/or positioning; the absence of the necessity for a specific exercise area, or time, or equipment; the ability to target specific muscles and/or muscle groups; portability; ease of utilization by most age groups; a reduction in weight training injuries, if used properly; application on an extended daily routine regime or use; application in daily aactivities of normal routine, or sports activities and/or training, or rehabilitative therapy; physical benefits to any age group; collateral reduction of body fat; increase in muscular tone and stamina; collateral improvement to related body systems; minimal storage space; extreme portability; and use as a daily under or outerwear garment. 